Israeli courts fined Palestinian minors imprisoned in the Ofer detention centre a total of 57,000 shekels ($15,420) in February alone, the Palestinian Committee of Prisoners’ Affairs said yesterday, adding that at least 49 had been detained in February.

Committee lawyer Luay Akka said that of at least 49 Palestinian minors who were imprisoned in February and taken to Ofer, 27 of them were detained during home raids, nine in the streets, five after being summoned for interrogation, four at checkpoints and four in Israel for not having permits.

He added that the sentences issued against 25 minors during the month ranged between one and 24 months in prison, with at least one teen – 15 year-old Ahmad Hanatsha – being sentenced to administrative detention without trial or charges.

Palestinian minors detained in Ofer said that they were being held in poor conditions, and lacked access to necessities such as clothing, bed sheets and towels.

In January, the committee reported the detention of at least 63 minors, who were collectively fined some 52,000 shekels ($14,000).